Curiosity About Buddhism

[MeetJohnDoe]

Okay, now that you have recovered from you bout of laughter that anyone in Pattaya could be interested in such things, this is a serious inquiry. First some background, I am basically an atheist (and before that, a fairly serious Episcopalian, which, for anyone familiar with that branch of Christianity, is basically the same thing. I like to say that through the grace of the Episcopal tradition, I was lead to see the inherent contradictions in all religious faiths, which in turn lead to my conversion to atheism. They got some great music, however, and love those pipe-organs.)

I have always had a scientific bent, which was the basis for my questioning of religious belief, and I am very curious about the nexus of the Buddhist belief in the impermanence of all things (that all things are in a constant state of change and/or decay) and the difficulty of knowing "true" reality and the similar theories in physics like relativity and quantum theory.

Anyway, I have done some preliminary reading about Buddhism and viewed several documentaries on both the historical Buddha and Buddhism. I have also listened to some lectures on the topic (both from academics and practicing Buddhist teachers (it's amazing what's on iTunes); and seen the intro to Buddhism lectures available from the Buddhism.net site (the ones introduced by Richard Gere).

I am now interested in a more systemic introduction to the philosophy and practice of Buddhism. This would be mainly to see if the insights and meditative practices of Buddhism would be of benefit in level-headed, clear, and unemotional thinking. I was wondering if there were any places (temples or study-groups) in Pattaya that may fit this bill. It would have to be in English, as unfortunately, I am unable to read or write Thai (and certainly not Pali). As to Theravada or Mahayana it makes no difference but I would guess that being Thailand, Theravada is about the only way to go.

[camerata]

You might want to start by reading Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Bachelor.

[sabaijai]

One place worth looking into in Pattaya is Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center

Address :

386/27 Moo 12, Boonkanjanaram Soi 1

Sukhumvit K.M.150

Nong Prue, Bang Lamung

Pattaya, Chonburi

Thailand 20260

E-mail :[email protected]

Telephone :

President : Miss. Pakasiri Jantrupon

Land line: 0 3875 6352

Mobile Phone : 08 6142 2379

Teacher : Vitoon Voravises

0 3875 6907